During the recent season that is known for giving, our middle and high school students had a greater focus on Civic Engagement with a civic engagement initiative called “Celebrating the Unsung Heroes.”
Our first event focused on Mrs. Gloria, our housekeeper at our Overtown Site. The Touching Miami with Love youth worked hard and threw her a surprise “Appreciation Party.” In a very simple way our students learned the power of selfless giving and the beauty of loving others in proximity. They learned that you don’t have to go far to show love and there are always people around you who deserve appreciation.
Our second initiative was to honor our local firefighters. Our students baked and decorated cookies and delivered them to two local stations near our Overtown Site. The Miami firefighters from Stations 1 and 3 were grateful for their treats! The firefighters even took time to show us around their homes away from home. Making the time even more fun, they put some of our students to work a bit. It was a wonderful exchange of love in the community.
- Gary Francis, Touching Miami with Love, Overtown Youth Coordinator